Dan Johnson homered, doubled and singled twice for Oakland, which held an
early 3-0 lead. The Athletics fell to 1-6 on their nine-game road trip.

“It’s tough to win a four-game series, especially against a starting staff
like that,” Indians manager Eric Wedge said. “I’m pleased with the way we’ve
played this series.”

Johnson singled to start the ninth. One out later, Jason Kendall singled to
left and Michaels threw late to third base, allowing Kendall to easily take
second. After the play, Michaels stood in the outfield shaking his head.

Asked when he realized his mistake, Michaels said, “When the ball was about
an inch from my hand. I know a lot better than that.”

Paul Byrd (7-3) allowed three runs in seven innings in winning for the first
time since May 30. The right-hander gave up 10 hits, struck out three and didn’t
walk a batter.

“It’s been too long,” he said of the gap between wins.

Byrd, who allowed six hits in the first two innings, hadn’t pitched seven
innings since May 20, a stretch of seven starts.

“I don’t know if you guys noticed, but I got through the seventh inning,”
he said. “It might be the sign of the end of an age.”

A’s starter Joe Blanton took a 3-1 lead into the seventh. Kelly Shoppach led
off with a single and Josh Barfield hit a line drive that fell in front of right
fielder Nick Swisher. Unsure if the ball would drop, Shoppach got a late break
off first and was forced out at second.

Following Casey Blake’s pinch-hit single, Flores relieved Blanton. Grady
Sizemore hit a long drive to right-center that Swisher caught—he held onto the
ball despite falling to the ground and hitting the wall.

The good defense went for naught when Michaels homered.

“It was supposed to be a fastball inside,” Flores said. “I feel bad for
Joe.”

Eric Chavez’s infield hit gave Oakland the lead in the first. Stewart and
Jack Cust singled and Chavez hit a ground ball over the third base bag that Mike
Rouse gloved without a play.

Following Johnson’s home run, Bobby Crosby doubled and Kotsay singled.

Sizemore hit an RBI double in the fifth.

Notes

Byrd has walked two batters in his last 71 2-3 innings, both
intentional. His last unintentional walk was on April 26. … The Indians placed
RHP Roberto Hernandez on waivers Thursday for the purpose of giving him his
unconditional release. He was designated for assignment on June 20. The
42-year-old Hernandez went 3-1 with 6.23 ERA in 28 games. … Oakland RHP Rich
Harden threw bullpen sessions Wednesday and Thursday. He’s scheduled to throw
two innings in relief Friday or Saturday in New York. … The A’s have lost 12
of their last 16.